Vaccination uptake and awareness of a free hepatitis B vaccination program among female commercial sex workers.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to explore the reach of a free hepatitis B vaccination program among female commercial sex workers (CSWs) within a legalized prostitution setting in the Netherlands. We also investigated the reasons for nonparticipation and noncompliance.


METHODS
In this cross-sectional study based on ethnographic mapping and targeted sampling, 259 CSWs were interviewed at their work in 3 regions in the Netherlands. The semistructured interviews contained questions on sociodemographics, sexual risk behavior, sex work, awareness of the opportunity to obtain free hepatitis B vaccination, vaccination uptake, and compliance with the full vaccination schedule.


RESULTS
Of our sample, 79% reported awareness of the opportunity to obtain hepatitis B vaccination, and 63% reported to be vaccinated against hepatitis B (received > or =1 vaccination). A personal approach by health professionals or was associated with vaccination uptake, when specific sociodemographic variables, sexual behavior, and sex work related covariates were controlled for in the analysis. Window prostitution and the duration of working in the region were associated with awareness of the opportunity to obtain free hepatitis B vaccination.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that outreach activities (i.e., a personal approach) within this program are beneficial. Transient CSWs are more difficult to reach within the current vaccination program. These results can be used to increase the success of future health programs among this risk group.
Baars
Jessica E
JE
IVO, Scientific Bureau for Research on Lifestyle, Addiction and Related Social Developments, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. baars@ivo.nl
Boon
Brigitte J F
BJ
Garretsen
Henk F
HF
van de Mheen
Dike
D
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health; D014931:Women, Working / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines